Financial assistance for sufferers

[Madredhead14]

From research on financial assistance for FM sufferers, I have found that while the medical industry recognise FM as a disability / chronic illness the powers that be that make the decisions on these matters such as the SSA, don't formally recognise it, therefore the process for claiming things like PIP or DLA is notoriously difficult. In order for this to be changed we as patients and GP's need to lobby the relevant parties to get the assessment processes changed and for the condition to be formally recognised as a disability. In the first instance contact your local GP and MP, then take it the relevant cabinet minister. I have been contacting various parliamentary members as well as my MP on various matters to get things resolved. My daughter was refused PIP because of flaws and outright lies in the assessment. I am lucky to be working and I love where I work and they are very understanding of my circumstances, however, my single wage is not enough to pay my bills and I like many others need help but at the moment I do not qualify because I "earn too much" because I work full time or because I work at all. What are my options at this point, carry on as I am and hope that my living costs go down (I had to end a second job because of the pain) or give up work altogether in the vain hope I qualify for help?

[desquinn Partner Volunteer FMAUK Trustee]

worth having a look here: healthunlocked.com/fibromya...

But a couple of brief points as need to be doing something else

* your existing financial situation is often not relevant to assessment

* Your diagnosis is not very relevant either. Very few conditions convey automatic benefit award

* They are awarded against the descriptors (set by DWP) and it applies to your ability or inability to do certain tasks like walk a set distance.

Getting advice is the best starting point and the link gives some options.

[Farmerboy]

These comments are in no way an attack or direct reference to the poster but a general statement of information.

You like many others reading on social media that because you have this or that illness, conditions or disability or diagnosis you can claim or get this or that benefits. As for PIP is a benefit that is awarded not on a disability or diagnosis or conditions or illnesses that you or claimants may have confirmation of. PIP is awarded on your inabilities to preform, manage and cope doing the PIP descriptors, activities safely and repeatedly and in a timely manner for over 50% of your daily living. It is a good idea to take a self test to see how you would fair in the PIP descriptors scoring. Should you decide on a self test be honest as any information or evidence has to be justified at the assessment. People still claim PIP and work the benefits are to help with your mobility and daily living activities.

[Rita1404]

Speak with money matters citizens advicewho may be able too advice if you reduce hours would you then be eligible for benefits etc

[Senabosede]

You need to appeal there decisions on your daughter, they don’t like it when you appeal. My son suffers from chronic asthma and allergies he was giving the DLA when younger but declined. I left It because I was suffering from my own illnesses. He has had series of attacks so I told h8m to apply again, the assessment result was all faults, we have appealed now, awaiting reply.

[yorkielover46]

I have had FMS, RLS since diagnosed in 1996. FMS is recognized as a disability in the US. I received SSAD since then. The flare ups last for some time for me. I am in constant pain, some worse some better. I have been on every opyoid morphine, codeine, oxyicode, vicodine you name it. Too many side effects and didn't really work. I am about to start the Butran patch. We will see.....

[yorkielover46]

I also have Fibro and the pain you are describing. I have a degenerating spine a 2 ruptured disc from Osteoarthritis. I think just one more thing to add to FMS.